Name: Mini Meatloaf Muffins with Mashed Potato Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; ½ cup breadcrumbs; 1 egg; ¼ cup milk; ¼ cup onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons ketchup; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ¼ cup ketchup; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 1 teaspoon mustard; 2 cups mashed potatoes (prepared and cooled); 2 tablespoons butter; 2–3 tablespoons milk; Salt and pepper to taste

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Mini Meatloaf Muffins with Mashed Potato Frosting are the ultimate comfort food makeover—think classic meatloaf, but cuter, faster, and even more irresistible thanks to a creamy swirl of mashed potatoes on top. Each savory, bite-sized muffin is packed with flavor and topped like a cupcake, making them just as fun to serve as they are to eat. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly weeknight dinner, a meal-prep favorite, or an adorable dish for a potluck, this recipe brings a playful twist to a nostalgic favorite, and I promise you’ll want to make it again and again.

Mini Meatloaf Muffins with Mashed Potato Frosting Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Mini Meatloaf Muffins with Mashed Potato Frosting lies in simple, everyday ingredients that bring out the best in each other. Every element—from the juicy ground beef to the pillowy mashed potatoes—plays a role in creating the perfect mini comfort bites. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one matters:

Ground Beef: The heart of your meatloaf, giving richness and classic flavor. Use 80/20 for the juiciest result!
Breadcrumbs: These help bind everything together and keep the meatloaf muffins tender, not dense.
Egg: Acts as a binder and adds moisture for that perfect, juicy texture.
Milk: Softens the breadcrumbs and helps the meat mixture stay light and moist.
Onion: Finely chopped for bursts of sweetness and depth in every bite.
Garlic: Minced for an aromatic punch that makes the flavors pop.
Ketchup: Adds tang and sweetness both in the meatloaf and the glaze.
Worcestershire Sauce: Delivers umami and savory complexity you don’t want to skip.
Salt: Essential for bringing all the flavors together—don’t be shy!
Black Pepper: A little heat rounds out the seasoning.
Brown Sugar (for the glaze): Balances the tang of ketchup and creates a glossy, caramelized top.
Mustard (for the glaze): Adds just enough zing to keep things interesting.
Mashed Potatoes: The “frosting” for your muffins—creamy, comforting, and totally irresistible.
Butter (for potatoes): For richness and that classic mashed potato flavor.
Milk (for potatoes): Loosens the potatoes just enough so you can pipe or spread them easily.
Salt and Pepper (for potatoes): Season to taste for perfectly savory mashed potato swirls.

How to Make Mini Meatloaf Muffins with Mashed Potato Frosting

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Muffin Tin

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Give your standard 12-cup muffin tin a light greasing—this is key for easy removal and that golden-edged finish. This step sets you up for neat, individual portions and ensures nothing sticks behind.

Step 2: Mix the Meatloaf Base

In a large bowl, combine your ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, onion, garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. The secret here is to mix just until everything is incorporated; overworking can make your muffins tough. You want a mix that holds together but still feels light.

Step 3: Shape and Fill

Divide the meatloaf mixture evenly among your muffin cups, gently pressing down so the tops are smooth but not compacted. Each cup should be about three-quarters full, leaving room for the glaze and, later, the mashed potato frosting.

Step 4: Glaze Time

In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard to make the tangy-sweet glaze. Spoon a little over each meatloaf muffin, spreading it to fully coat the top. This glaze caramelizes as it bakes, creating that irresistible sticky finish.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide your muffin tin into the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes. You’re looking for the meatloaf to be cooked through (an internal temp of 160°F) and the glaze to be bubbling. The kitchen will smell amazing, and you’ll know you’re almost there!

Step 6: Prepare the Mashed Potato Frosting

While the meatloaf muffins bake, gently reheat your mashed potatoes with butter and a splash or two of milk until they’re smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let them cool just enough so they’re easy to pipe or spoon without melting on contact.

Step 7: Frost and Serve

Allow the meatloaf muffins to cool slightly in the pan before removing. Using a piping bag with a star tip (or simply a spoon), swirl or dollop the mashed potatoes on top of each muffin like frosting. This finishing touch turns your Mini Meatloaf Muffins with Mashed Potato Frosting into a show-stopping main course!

How to Serve Mini Meatloaf Muffins with Mashed Potato Frosting

Garnishes

The crowning glory for your Mini Meatloaf Muffins with Mashed Potato Frosting is a sprinkle of chopped chives or parsley. This not only adds a pop of color but a fresh, herby note that balances the richness of the dish. Even a tiny crack of black pepper or a dusting of smoked paprika can make them look and taste extra special.

Side Dishes

These mini meatloaf muffins pair beautifully with bright, crunchy sides—think steamed green beans, roasted carrots, or a crisp garden salad. For a cozy meal, serve them alongside buttery peas or honey-glazed carrots to keep things simple and classic.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or family gatherings, arrange the muffins on a platter with individual dollops of mashed potato frosting. Pipe the mashed potatoes into fun shapes or mini rosettes for an extra festive look. You can even serve them in colorful cupcake liners for a whimsical, kid-friendly presentation!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Mini Meatloaf Muffins with Mashed Potato Frosting store wonderfully. Place cooled muffins in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Keep the mashed potato frosting separate if you prefer to reheat and pipe fresh, but they’ll still taste great together.

Freezing

These muffins freeze like a dream! Once fully cooled, wrap each individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze the mashed potato frosting separately in a small container.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen. Warm the meatloaf muffins in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes or until heated through. The mashed potato frosting can be microwaved gently or piped on after both are hot for a just-made feel.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Mini Meatloaf Muffins with Mashed Potato Frosting are just as delicious with ground turkey or chicken. They’ll be a bit lighter in flavor and color—perfect if you’re looking for a leaner option.

How can I make the mashed potato frosting extra smooth?

For the silkiest mashed potato frosting, use a potato ricer or mash thoroughly, then mix in butter and milk until completely smooth. Let the potatoes cool slightly so they hold their shape when piped.

What’s the best way to pipe the mashed potatoes?

A piping bag fitted with a star tip gives your Mini Meatloaf Muffins with Mashed Potato Frosting a bakery-worthy look, but a sturdy zip-top bag with the corner snipped off also works in a pinch. Or, simply dollop and swirl with a spoon for a rustic vibe!

Can I prepare these ahead for meal prep?

Definitely! Bake the meatloaf muffins and make the mashed potatoes in advance. Store separately and assemble just before serving for the freshest flavor and texture.

Are these muffins kid-friendly?

Kids adore Mini Meatloaf Muffins with Mashed Potato Frosting! They’re perfectly portioned, easy to eat with hands or forks, and look just like little cupcakes, making dinner extra fun for the whole family.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a cozy dinner that’s as fun to eat as it is satisfying, give these Mini Meatloaf Muffins with Mashed Potato Frosting a try. They’re guaranteed to bring smiles to your table, and you might just find yourself adding them to your regular dinner rotation!

Mini Meatloaf Muffins with Mashed Potato Frosting Recipe

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4.8 from 11 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 12 mini meatloaves 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Mini Meatloaf Muffins with Mashed Potato Frosting are a fun and tasty twist on classic meatloaf, perfectly portioned in muffin cups for easy serving. These savory mini meatloaves are topped with creamy mashed potatoes, piped on like frosting, making them an appealing and kid-friendly dinner option. Made with ground beef, flavorful seasonings, and a sweet and tangy glaze, they bake up moist and delicious. Ideal for meal prepping or casual family meals, these bite-sized meatloaf muffins combine comfort food with a creative presentation.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Meatloaf:

1 pound ground beef
½ cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
¼ cup milk
¼ cup onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Glaze:

¼ cup ketchup
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon mustard

For the Mashed Potato Frosting:

2 cups mashed potatoes (prepared and cooled)
2 tablespoons butter
2–3 tablespoons milk
Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Muffin Tin: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a standard 12-cup muffin tin well to prevent sticking.
Mix Meatloaf Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined to avoid tough meat.
Shape and Fill Muffin Cups: Divide the meat mixture evenly among the prepared muffin cups, pressing each portion gently to shape into mini meatloaves.
Prepare Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard until smooth. Spoon the glaze evenly over each mini meatloaf to add a sweet and tangy flavor and attractive finish.
Bake Meatloaves: Bake the mini meatloaf muffins in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes until cooked through and an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) is reached.
Prepare Mashed Potato Frosting: While the meatloaves are baking, reheat the mashed potatoes with butter and milk in a pan or microwave, stirring until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Frost and Garnish: Once the meatloaves have cooled slightly, use a piping bag or spoon to frost each muffin with the mashed potato mixture, piping it on like frosting. Garnish with chopped chives or parsley for color and fresh flavor.

Notes

These mini meatloaf muffins are perfect for meal prepping and make great kid-friendly dinners.
Use a piping bag with a star tip for decorative mashed potato swirls that look like frosting.
You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of the meatloaf.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
Adding finely grated vegetables like carrots or zucchini can boost nutrition without changing flavor much.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American